“Here is some further explaination of the Karuk Tribe Lawsuit against the California DFG to change dredging regulations…”

Hello Everyone,

Here is a short update on the progress of the Karuk lawsuit against the California Department of Fish & Game (DFG):

We have now created a special page for this ongoing situation on our web site. The Karuk complaint against DFG is now up there. I’m sorry that the quality of our copy is not very good.

Under the New 49’er banner, our attorneys filed 2 briefs in the case this past Friday, 16 December. The primary brief is our Motion to Intervene in the litigation.

As I explained last week, we understood that DFG and the Karuks had already worked out a settlement to resolve this litigation — even though they refused to give us a copy.

There was a hearing scheduled this Tuesday (20 December) whereby I believe the plan was to try and get Judge Sabraw to formally endorse the settlement and thereby end the litigation. Our attorneys were present at the hearing pressing for our right to become involved, since it is actually our mining rights on the table. They also pressed the judge to not endorse the settlement between DFG and the Karuks.

Because of our pending Motion to Intervene, Judge Sabraw chose to not adopt the proposed settlement. Instead, she scheduled January 26, 2006 to hear our Intervention Motion and also to hold a hearing on the proposed settlement/joint stipulation for entry of judgment. We have until January 10, 2006 to file an Opposition to the Settlement. Our attorneys are already working on it.

We got in by the skin of out teeth on this one, you guys; just made it! Incredible how fast we organized to get competent attorneys representing our interests in this situation! We should acknowledge ourselves for doing good so far in this. But it is not over yet!

Please keep thinking up ideas on legal fund-raising, because we are running up a pretty big tab!! We don’t have any other choice!

I hope to post a copy of the Settlement Agreement between DFG and the Karuks real soon. I’m still waiting to receive a copy.